Wednesday, September 01, 2010

The Kids Are Alright...

by Sean Chercover

There comes an age (for me, it happened when I was still using fake I.D. to get into bars) when most of the "new stuff" - the popular art being produced by young folks - just seems like crap. And this unfortunate attitude seems only to deepen over time (the last great rock 'n' roll album was Exile, wasn't it?).

I know, I know. Get off my lawn. Old guy talk, and coming from such a young man as myself...

I admit to going out of my way to sound like a curmudgeon, and yes, I exaggerate, but really, most of the new stuff is pretty lame. And yes, much of the "new stuff" of previous eras was crap, mercifully forgotten over time. But still...

My friends try to help my condition, suggest new stuff to me, and I give it a fair listen, or viewing, or reading. And some of it is very good, although much of the very good new stuff is also derivative of the very good older stuff. I'm okay with derivative - if it's good, I dig it - but I still hanker for something truly new. For some evidence that the next generation is taking us in unexpected and exciting directions.

Well, they are.

First up, Trombone Shorty. Trombone Shorty (real name: Troy Andrews) is an incredible musician from New Orleans, and you must check him out. His first album (recorded at the tender age of 23) is called Backatown.

Next up, Christian Scott. Also from New Orleans, and only a few years older than Troy Andrews, Christian Scott has already made four stunning albums (including a live album at Newport). He drives purists crazy with his incorporation of rock and hip hop within jazz, but purists are always going crazy (see: Miles, or Dylan going electric, for that matter). Purists can bite me.

Also in the music scene - Shaun Escoffery. A British dude with a fantastic voice, daring to be different. Not sure about his age, but would guess just under 30. Here is a link to youtube of him performing live.

Jeroen - You're gonna love BACKATOWN. It's been in heavy rotation in my house since it came out, and it only gets better with repeated listening. Thanks for the link. Will check out Shaun Escoffery.

Alison - Shut your mouth, girlfriend! You can't be 30! Anyway, you still qualify. And thanks for that link - I'm digging Janelle Monae, which is not surprising, given that you turned me on to Saul Williams once upon a time.